In a significant development, Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo, a fugitive who has eluded capture for years, was apprehended in Mexico on Friday. Castillo, who had been listed among the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted since October 2017, was taken into custody in Pachuca, Hidalgo, thanks to a collaborative effort between the FBI and Mexican authorities.

Castillo is implicated in the tragic murder of Truc Quan Ly “Sandy” Le, a 23-year-old co-worker. Le disappeared on August 9, 2016, and her body was discovered in Cabarrus County on August 17, 2016. This case has been a haunting reminder of the unresolved crime for her family and the community.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the significance of Castillo’s capture, noting, “Alejandro Castillo is the fifth FBI Ten Most Wanted fugitive secured since last year, exceeding the total captures of the preceding four years combined. This achievement is a testament to leadership and resolve, not mere chance.”

Patel commended the coordinated efforts of the FBI Charlotte field office, alongside state, local, and Mexican authorities. He emphasized that such cooperation, supported by clear mandates and autonomy, leads to tangible results. The arrest marks a pivotal step toward delivering long-overdue justice for Sandy Ly Le’s family, offering them a measure of closure in their enduring ordeal.

“When law enforcement is given clear backing and the freedom to act, results follow. The work of the FBI Charlotte field office, our state and local partners, and Mexican authorities was exceptional, and this arrest finally opens the door to long-overdue justice for Sandy Ly Le’s family.”

#BREAKING FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Alejandro Rosales Castillo Captured in Mexico. @FBICharlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr., and @CMPD Chief Estella D. Patterson announce the capture of Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Alejandro “Alex” Rosales Castillo.
Castillo… pic.twitter.com/Xk368nfMBR

— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) January 17, 2026

The New York Post reported that Le agreed to meet Castillo at a gas station to collect $1,000 that he owed her. Phoenix police later found her vehicle abandoned. 

Two others were previously arrested in connection with Le’s death. Ahmia Feaster, who had fled to Mexico, later turned herself in, and then extradited back to North Carolina from Aguas Calientes. 

In March 2017, officials charged Felipe Ulloa with accessory after the fact of murder, according to FOX 46. Ulloa, Le, and Calientes reportedly worked together at a restaurant in Charlotte. 

Castillo is now waiting extradition to North Carolina from Mexico, according to the field office.

“The FBI and our partners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have worked tirelessly to find and arrest Alex Castillo. For more than nine years, he lived a normal life, likely believing he would never be captured, but our experienced investigators never gave up the hunt for justice,” FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. stated.

“Sadly, Sandy’s family began another new year without her, we hope knowing her accused killer is in custody will provide some level of solace now.”

[Feature Photo via FBI]